The annual Carolina Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace is back this fall. This event attracts a great crowd each year. Visitors come ready for the medieval festivities like a jousting tournament, outdoor theater, circus entertainment, exhibits, huge eats and the like. The costumes alone are entertaining to me. Overall, the festivities seem very interactive and well planned.

The festival takes place in a reserved area off of Poplar Tent Road in Concord (16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville, North Carolina 28078.) Tickets are $21 for adults and $12 for kids over 5. Saturdays & Sundays 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Details.

*I spotted a deal in Valpak for a free child ticket with one adult ticket. Check out the online coupon here.